Social Networks in the NSHAP Study: Rationale, Measurement, and Preliminary Findings
Social Networks in the NSHAP Study: Rationale, Measurement, and Preliminary Findings
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DOI：
10.1093/geronb/gbp042
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发表时间：
2009-11-01
影响因子：
6.2
通讯作者：
Graber, Jessica
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Cornwell, Benjamin;Schumm, L. Philip;Graber, Jessica
目标。本文描述了国民社会生活背后的基本原理。健康和老龄化项目的（NSHAP）社会网络模块，数据收集程序。以及几个自我中心网络特性的测量。这包括对网络规模、组成、与网络成员的接触量、密度和桥接潜力的讨论。还讨论了老年人在个人健康问题上参与网络成员的程度的数据。描述统计提出了关键的网络措施。介绍了这些指标的社会人口分布。老年人与网络成员讨论健康问题的可能性也因网络成员的特点而有所下降。老年人往往有较大的、以亲属为中心的、密集的网络，具有音桥电位。网络特征与年龄、性别、种族/民族、教育程度和健康状况有关。老年人更倾向于让网络成员（尤其是关系密切的成员）参与健康讨论和医疗决策。这些数据重申了社交网络与老年人健康的相关性。最后，我们将讨论如何将NSHAP测量方法应用于未来的健康分析。
Objectives. This paper describes the rationale behind the National Social Life. Health, and Aging Project's (NSHAP) social networks module, data collection procedures. and the measurement of several egocentric network properties. This includes a discussion of network size, composition, volume of contact with network members, density, and bridging potential. Data on the extent to which older adults involve network members in personal health matters are also discussed.Methods. Descriptive statistics are presented for key network measures. Sociodemographic distributions of these measures are presented. Older adults' likelihood of discussing health with network members is also broken down by network member characteristics.Results. Older adults tended to have large, kin-centered, dense networks, with sonic bridging potential. Network characteristics were related to age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and health. Older adults tended to be very likely to involve network members (especially close ties) in health discussions and medical decision making.Discussion. The data reiterate the relevance of social networks to older adults' health. We close by discussing how the NSHAP measures might be employed in future analyses of health.